Curling is a winter sport played on ice where players slide stones towards a target area. It was invented in Scotland and became an Olympic sport in 1998. Games are played in rounds between countries, with the teams earning the most wins receiving medals. Curling stones weigh 45 pounds and are made of granite, while brooms have fabric, hog hair, or horsehair heads. The document provides details on curling rules, equipment, the 2010 Olympic venue in Vancouver, participating countries and the early schedule of games.